Electricity Minister transparent Eskom

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says the Electricity Minister must be transparent in his plans to resolve the Eskom crisis. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sowetan Live / Esa Alexander)

Level 3 lockdown: Winde remains opposed to closure of outdoor spaces

Alan Winde welcomed additional restrictions on alcohol and social gatherings under Level 3 lockdown. He does, however, have one grievance.

Electricity Minister transparent Eskom

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says the Electricity Minister must be transparent in his plans to resolve the Eskom crisis. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sowetan Live / Esa Alexander)

Following the move to Level 3 lockdown and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech on Monday evening, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde released a statement welcoming the restrictions on alcohol sales and social gatherings. He did, however, express his distaste for the closure of outdoor spaces such as beaches and parks. 

Winde claims that the ban on outdoor spaces went against scientific advice that deemed those areas as well-ventilated and therefore, safe.  

14 DAYS OF LEVEL 3 LOCKDOWN? 

Ramaphosa said all the restrictions put in place under Level 3 lockdown would be reviewed 14 days from Monday 28 December. Winde said that after the two week period, all restrictions introduced should be reconsidered and removed in places where they are no longer required. 

“They should not be in place for a day longer than they are needed to save our healthcare system and they need to be analysed against their results,” said Winde. 

“The Western Cape Government’s support for additional restrictions was a last resort, as our public and private health system faces extreme pressure, experiencing rapidly growing hospitalizations and driven by a new, more transmissible COVID-19 variant. Our healthcare workers are exhausted and are battling to provide care to every person who needs it when they need it,” he added. 

ADDING CAPACITY TO A STRAINED HEALTHCARE SYSTEM 

Winde said the Western Cape Government has done everything it can to add capacity to the system so it can cope, but it is still under extreme pressure because of the rapidly growing number of cases caused by the new COVID-19 variant.

The following additional beds have been added to the system:

  • 336 beds at the Hospital of Hope (Brackengate);
  • 60 beds at the Freesia Ward in Mitchells Plain;
  • 30 beds at Ward 99 in Mitchells Plain;
  • 187 beds at the Aquarius Ward in Mitchells Plain;
  • 59 beds at the Sonstraal Hospital in Drakenstein; and 
  • 72 beds in Vredendal, Hermanus and George. 

“In addition, we are also preparing to bring online an additional 136 beds in the metro, at existing facilities. This does depend on staffing capacity. We have also erected tents at Khayelitsha and Wesfleur Hospitals where admissions and discharges will be managed,” said Winde. 

“Additional tents are being erected at the Hospital Hope, Mitchell’s Plan Helderberg, Eerste River and Karl Bremmer,” he added. 

WINDE VOWS TO FIGHT FOR UIF TERS BENEFIT 

Winde also vowed that the Western Cape government would continue to fight for the UIF Ters benefit to be rolled out to all affected sectors as a matter of priority.

“I will continue to stand up to the National Government against any restriction that is not effective or has remained in place for longer than is necessary. These restrictions must be temporary and removed as quickly as possible,” he said.

“If we all work together over the next 14 days, by changing our behaviour and staying safe, we can have most of these restrictions removed sooner. This should be everyone’s priority,” he added.